The original panel for Futurama was billed as event where we would "join executive producers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, and stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, and Maurice LaMarche for high-stakes thrills as a top-ranking FOX executive decides live, on stage, whether Futurama will make yet another triumphant return or whether it is gone forever!"

It was an obvious setup for a Fox exec to reunite the cast and creator and cue wild applause from fans for the revival of the cult favorite cartoon. Unfortunately, as a result of the recent contract disputes and salary cuts for the voice cast -- and the subsequent threats from Fox that they would recast the characters -- none of the voice actors were in attendance, although series creator Matt Groening voiced his support for them, saying that "we love our Futurama actors. We hope that FOX and the actors can come to an agreement as soon as possible."

"The core of my being is at peace," he added in a faux-Zen voice. "There are no mistakes. I embrace the universe and send loving thoughts to all living beings, including the Futurama cast and Fox executives.

It's a disappointing turn of events for fans of the show so soon after the relaunch was teased, but as a small consolation prize, I offer you this photo of two Comic-Con attendees rocking some pretty excellent Bender and Fry costumes, and a video of what looks like this same Bender cosplayer and his Comic-Con adventures after the jump.

I agree that the show should be made with only the original voices. That being said, Fox shouldn't pay them whatever they want. If the voice actors aren't willing to take what Fox gives them, simply don't make the show.

I LOVE Futurama - sure food, oxygen and sunshine are okay I guess, but I LOVE me some Futurama.

That said, I will not be watching without the original voice actors, there is no way in hell they could replace them and keep the quality. Even Fox has to know they will kill the ratings and DVD sales without the original actors.